Trying to learn how to take good care of your wheelchair? I will teach you the steps and tools that you need to keep your wheelchair in good shape.
Here is a wheelchair maintenance checklist for you. Check it out!
Below is a quick checklist just for you!
Fyi, this post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
 | 1. Perform Weekly Brakes Check |
| 2. Check the Front Wheels |
| 3. Inspect the Wheelchair Tires |
| 4. Perform Monthly Wheelchair Bearings Checkup |
| 5. Check the Wheel Spokes |
| 6. Do Wheelchair Annual Checks |
Table of Contents
How to Do the Wheelchair Maintenance
1. Perform Weekly Brakes Check
Brakes are critical parts of your wheelchair. You are advised to perform a weekly brake checkup.
If your wheelchair is not stopping effectively, or there is brake failure, you should change them. Get the new brake fittings from a reputable wheelchair dealer.
Note that the smooth functioning of the brake mechanism is affected by wet weather. So, don’t do the basic check on wet tires or when wheels don’t have the correct air pressure levels.
It is also good to check the brake levers to ensure they don’t wobble excessively. If the levers are loose, you should tighten the bolt.
Here is a video [1] on how you should perform brake inspection.
2. Check the Front Wheels
You should check that the front wheels are in perfect condition. Your front wheels will drift to the right or left or get hard to turn correctly.
Your wheelchair front wheels should rotate efficiently and touch the ground. Take your time to adjust to the angle and play to ensure your wheels are flush with the ground.
If you ride on rough terrain, the wheels get damaged. I always double-check the wheel locks and spokes after riding on a bumpy surface for signs of damage.
This video [2] shows you how to check the front wheels.
3. Inspect the Wheelchair Tires
You should always maintain the correct pressure [3]. This keeps your wheelchair functioning in the right way.
Excess air pressure levels make your tires susceptible to bursting. On the other hand, too low air pressure will make you put a lot of effort into propelling your manual wheelchair.
To check the pressure, press down firmly with your thumb. If your tire presses down for over 5 millimeters, you need to inflate. Check your tire pneumatic pressure weekly.
You should also inspect the tire cushion and cover. Remove the cover to check both the cushion and cover itself. Look out for holes or tear in the cover. Make sure you check the zip, too.
Now check the cushion for contour and shape. If there are defects in the cushion or cover, you need to change them. Do the wheelchair tires inspection weekly.
Inspect your wheelchair tires following this video [4].
4. Perform Monthly Wheelchair Bearings Checkup
Your wheel bearings get worn out through frequent use. I usually detect malfunctioning bearing through unusual noise or knocking sounds.
Perform the checkups by lifting one of the wheels from your wheelchair and giving each of them a great spin. Your wheels should spin freely and stop evenly. Do the checkup on a monthly basis.
If the wheel stops rapidly, the bolts holding the wheel bearing are too tight. If the wheel spins backward after completing the rotation, you should tighten the bolts.
Here is a video [5] on how to perform a wheelchair bearings checkup.
5. Check the Wheel Spokes
Check the wheel spokes from the rim to the axle to ensure they are intact, not loose or bent. Your spokes will eventually break or bend if they have loose connections.
Check this video [6] on how to check the wheel spokes.
6. Do Wheelchair Annual Checks
You should perform a full service annually. An annual check helps detect any hidden issue that may get bigger with time. This helps you avoid high repair costs in the long run.
Your authorized wheelchair repairer can do the checkup and perform all the necessary repairs, as shown in this video [7].
Things You Need for a Complete Wheelchair Maintenance Check
Wheelchair maintenance tools help you perform high-quality work on any part. You need to have the required tools to make the work easier. Some of the tools include:
1. Spoke wrenches.
- Material: Stainless Steel, 9H hardness
- Size: Circular spoke wrench: 1.57'' x 1.57''x 0.47''; 14Model Spoke Wrench: 2'' x 1.45''x 0.53''
- Bicycle spoke wrench, must-have tool for adjusting the spokes to be tightened and correct the deformation of the rim.
- Suitable for spoke nipple sizes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
- Portable: Small and lightweight, weighting 1.94 oz.
2. Upholstery hole gauges.
3. Ruler sets.
- FUNCTIONAL: Walewale bike Multitool is a small gadget for bikes. It presents 16 comprehensive features in one, which likes transforming a small kit to an emergency micro workshop for solving your needs during adventures
- SOLID: All parts of bike repair tools are made of Chromium-vanadium steel, it has better strength and firmness than normal carbon steel tools, which is a great material for high-quality tools. more reliable for use
- SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The weight of this item is only 4.5 Oz, Very small and light to place in your bag or pocket when you come out. Can be a temporary alternative when you need tools likes the small ruler, wrench，screwdriver & more
- TOOLS PROVIDED: The handy Multi-Function Tool allows you to have a series of different functions（likes spoke wrench, ruler, differents sizes wrench ） and different types of screwdrivers (likes Allen, Torx, slotted, and cross-shaped), which can work on the bike
- ERGONOMIC: the aspect of the Multitool accessories kit is trendy and ergonomically designed. thanks to its dimension, it is comfortable to be held in hand when working, the product without any sharp tips ensures to protect your safety
- Seamless Operation: Streamline your wheel bearing repairs; Install bearings and races of all sizes with this 10 piece race and bearing installation kit
- Prevents Damage: Engineered for enhanced durability and performance; This bearing race remover and installer is carefully designed to protect race and axle housing
- Maximize Efficiency: This bearing and race installer includes instructions and takes only minutes to use; Convenient carrying case keeps tools collected and protected when not in use
- Easy Installations: Simply align the correct bushing, and then pound in; Wheel bearing and race kit seats bearings on cars, small trucks, motorcycles, and more
- Wide Compatibility: Race and bearing tool kit includes 1.565, 1.750, 1.965, 2.325, 2.470, 2.555, 2.830, 2.995, and 3.180 inch discs for broad applications
6. Tire repair kit.
- SIMPLE BUT COMPLETE--- Includes 1pc T-handle insert tool & 1pc T-handle spiral probe tool; 1pc 4-way valve stem tool; 2pcs Plastic Valve Caps; 15pcs self-vulcanization repair plugs; 1pc jar of lubricant; 1pc Instructions for use steps; 1pc “L” hex key; 1pc package bag.
- PLUG AND GO--- “T”handle is made of heavy steel, provides more steering power to insert the tire, making it easy to repair any tube-less tire perforations anytime, anywhere.
- UNIVERSAL TUBELESS TIRE REPAIR---Ideal for cars, jeeps, trucks, SUV, ATV, motorcycles, tractors, lawn mowers, toy haulers, trailers and more. Note:Our tire repair kit is designed to work with any tubeless tire,not for use on tube tires or side wall blow outs.
- Full refund for any manufacturing defects.
The tools you need depend on your model and other maintenance needs.
You need to invest in the most critical set of tools needed. However, your service provider can help with the more expensive tools since they invest in all the tools needed regardless of your model.
Assemble and store a set of tools that you will need for maintenance and other emergencies.
Factors to Consider when Doing Wheelchair Care
Read User Manual
Consider the guide provided by your user manual. This ensures you follow the correct procedure to handle the wheelchair parts, type of battery to use, and tools needed.
If you have issues and you can’t understand the user manual, get in touch with your service provider for the proper maintenance procedure.
Check our review of the best wheelchair accessories.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Consider whether you can do a DIY wheelchair checkup or hire a professional. You can perform simple checkups, but contact your dealer for major repairs for an annual checkup and other complex tasks.
FAQs
Does my wheelchair need servicing?
Yes. Your wheelchair should be serviced to ensure it works at optimal levels for a long time.
How often should wheelchairs be serviced?
You should do wheelchair servicing annually. But do weekly maintenance.
Do wheelchairs need to be oiled?
All your wheelchair folding joints should be lubricated annually. You can oil more often if you live in a high humid area and use the wheelchair frequently.
Can I perform DIY wheelchair maintenance?
Yes, you can if you have skills and basic tools. However, for more complex servicing, work with a certified service dealer.
Conclusion
The wheelchair maintenance checklist provided can guide you to do proper wheelchair maintenance. Keeping it well serviced enhances its functionality and helps reduce repair costs.
As you can see, it isn’t hard because the process involves basic steps and using the basic tools. However, your wheelchair dealer comes in handy to ensure the maintenance work is done perfectly.
What do you think of this wheelchair maintenance checklist? Let us know below!
